The Boys from Baghdad High (2008)

How to smile and laugh in the face of violence

The Boys from Baghdad High (2008) poster

During 2006-07, four students keep a video diary of their final year at Tariq bin Ziad High School in Baghdad. As violence escalates, the four prepare to take the National Exams they must pass in June to secure their diploma. They are Ali, a Kurd, Anmar, a Christian who starts the school year not having heard from his girlfriend for a few days, and a Shia and a Sunni - Hayder, a rap poet and songwriter, and Mohammad, fatherless, living with his mother and extended family. Amid explosions, gunfire, and power outages, they study, wrestle, play games, listen to music, dance, and talk boy talk. Mid-year, one moves north, safe but bored. Will they pass their exams? Will they live?

Director: Ivan O'Mahoney, Laura Winter
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 88 min
Release Date:
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: Ivan O'Mahoney, Laura Winter
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Boys from Baghdad High about?
During 2006-07, four students keep a video diary of their final year at Tariq bin Ziad High School in Baghdad. As violence escalates, the four prepare to take the National Exams they must pass in June to secure their diploma. They are Ali, a Kurd, Anmar, a Christian who starts the school year not having heard from his girlfriend for a few days, and a Shia and a Sunni - Hayder, a rap poet and songwriter, and Mohammad, fatherless, living with his mother and extended family. Amid explosions, gunfire, and power outages, they study, wrestle, play games, listen to music, dance, and talk boy talk. Mid-year, one moves north, safe but bored. Will they pass their exams? Will they live?
Who directed The Boys from Baghdad High?
The Boys from Baghdad High was directed by Ivan O'Mahoney, Laura Winter.
How long is The Boys from Baghdad High?
The Boys from Baghdad High has a runtime of 1h 28m (88 minutes).
What genre is The Boys from Baghdad High?
The Boys from Baghdad High is a Documentary film.